Belmont Park 2/15/03

Weather: Seasonable, 60's, Sunny

This was a nice side trip from Anaheim. The park was, well, non-existent. The museum shop featured pictures of the park in its hey-day. However, all that remains is the Giant Dipper and some other forgettable rides. The boardwalk has much potential and I kind of liked the slightly run down aspect of the area.

Giant Dipper (9/10)
This is a gorgeous coaster. One need only look at the drops to see from where GCI was inspired. The Pepto-Bismol pink tracks and sea foam green rails were nice flourishes. The station was beautifully restored.

The ride it self was great. It had speed and nice drops. The ride was smooth and makes you wonder why there are coasters pushing 80 years old that run like clockwork when newer coasters like SOB shake, rattle & hardly roll.

I deducted a point for the crappy Morgan train. Go in the museum and see a car from the original train - you'll understand my penalty.
*** This post was edited by BrooklynRider 2/19/2003 5:21:26 PM ***

BrooklynRider - the old trains were destroyed in a fire, but I was lucky enough to have ridden them in the early 70's. I'd love to see GCI Millennium Flyers running that track!

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While both of the original Prior & Church trains weren't completley destroyed in the fires (there was more than one), they would have been good for patterns only. When San Diego Seaside Co. (Dana Morgan and Ed Hutton) entered the picture the decision was made to use stock Morgan trains to expedite the reopening of the coaster. I agree the difference in the ride is substantial. I first rode the GD in the 1970's. You sit much higher in the P&C trains, and it gives you a diferent experience than the low profile Morgan trains. Considering that Dana Morgan owns fifty percent of the company operating the coaster, I don't think you'll GCI trains on it anytime soon.
*** This post was edited by Dutchman 2/19/2003 10:10:47 PM ***

Thanks, Dutchman. I can still wish, though ;)

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Humor Ingredients: all natural flavors, some artificial additives. Sold by weight, not volume. 100% satisfaction not guaranteed. Void in Texas and Puerto Rico.

I think my trip to Belmont Park was the shortest time I've ever spent in an amusement park. I stayed there for no more than 15 minutes... enough to do a walk-on ride, browse the museum and leave...

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